Pep Guardiola to leave Man City? Why has Spaniard Threatened to Quit Premier League Giants?

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The sun hasn't shone bright on Manchester City and Pep Guardiola this season, as they ended without a trophy and endured a dismal patch throughout the course of the campaign.

With a shocking loss in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace and the impending departure of Kevin de Bruyne, mood has been poignant at the Etihad, to say the least.

Although Tuesday's (May 20) victory over Bournemouth has probably sealed their deal for Champions League football next season, a new blow came right after as Pep Guardiola has threatened to leave the club as well.

In a surprising yet telling outburst, Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City's hierarchy that he could walk away from the club. The Spaniard, who has led City to unprecedented success since taking over in 2016, made the threat amid growing dissatisfaction with the number of players currently at his disposal.

Despite reinforcing the squad during the winter transfer window to cover for injuries, Guardiola now finds himself overwhelmed with options - to the point where he had to exclude several talented individuals not only from the starting XI but from the matchday squad entirely.

Why has Pep Guardiola threatened to leave Manchester City?

The apple of discord is the massive squad of Manchester City. Guardiola has cleared that he would not remain in charge if the Cityzens head into next season with a gigantic squad, as the Spaniard feels it is not sustainable.

The City boss said his situation became so problematic that even for the FA Cup final, two local players did not make the bench. This has led to growing frustration for a manager who values cohesion, morale, and playing time for all his footballers.

"I said to the club I don't want that [a bigger squad]. I don't want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don't want that. I will quit," Guardiola said after the 3-1 win against Bournemouth.

While Kevin De Bruyne is already confirmed to be leaving, many others remain under contract, potentially keeping the squad size at an uncomfortable level next season. Guardiola is clear in his directive - either the club trims down or he steps away.

"Make a shorter squad and I will stay. It's impossible for my soul to give my players in the tribune that they cannot play. Maybe for three-to-four months we couldn't select 11 players, we didn't have defenders and it was so difficult. After people come back but next season it cannot be like that," he added.

Guardiola emphasized that the emotional health of the squad, as well as the unity within the team, takes a hit when players are constantly left out. He reiterated the need for a tighter core group to maintain team spirit and balance.

City currently have a number of players whom they brought in recent windows. It is to be seen how they approach in the summer as Pep Guardiola has called for a much-trimmed a cohesive unit.